tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59571097857382097642018-03-02T08:06:38.966-08:00The Mrs DiariesAlyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-20100696669022910182017-05-31T12:17:00.002-07:002017-05-31T13:04:21.455-07:00The Story of Brayden Michael<span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we are approaching 3 months since the morning we met our Brayden Michael (how is that even possible?!), I think it’s about time I wrote down his birth story while the details are still somewhat fresh in my mind. I will begin by saying this birth story was the opposite of Avery’s in almost every way possible, but honestly equally as amazing. (see <a href="http://mrsdiaries.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-story-of-avery-grace.html" target="_blank">The Story of Avery Grace</a>&nbsp;for her birth story) As I reflect on both of their arrivals, I feel blessed to have had such unforgettable experiences to remember and tell them some day. </span><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">This time around, I was not working in Labor &amp; Delivery anymore so I wasn’t on my feet as much for long 12 hour shifts AND I wasn’t able to get multiple checks and membranes stripped in the weeks leading up to his delivery. For these reasons, I was sure I was going to delivery past my due date. I was feeling a little TOO good as I hit my 39</span><sup><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;; font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">week and made a special appointment with my midwife friend to get things “stirred up” (I claimed I’d never be that patient who wanted to speed things up before 40 weeks but sure enough both times by 39 weeks I was eager to get things started!) I got my membranes stripped on a Thursday morning, and was told in 24-48 hours something should happen. </span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">Well, Thursday came and went, Friday came and went with some cramping here and there, but both nights I had the BEST nights of sleep that I had in a long time (ironic how it annoyed me then, but now looking back I see how my body was preparing itself) Then, Saturday rolled around and a huge wave of nesting hit. I pulled out all of Avery’s baby book stuff that I had barely touched in the last year and a half and got to work. As I was working away I was timing contractions that started, never much closer than 10 minutes, so I resumed my day as normal. We went to Weston’s parents’ house for dinner and I was so distracted that I didn’t think much of the contractions that continued to come about every 10 minutes. We got home, and got ready for bed, Weston fell asleep right away like always and finally around 11pm laid down for the night. As I was dozing off realized I was being consistently woken up by contractions every 7 minutes. So, I got up and gave up on sleep for the time being, hoping I could get them closer and make this turn into something if I was going to be kept awake! I got my earbuds out and sat on the exercise ball at the side of our bed, paced around the room, leaned and swayed over the side of the bed, all the while Weston snoring away oblivious to what was happening. (it was better that way!) Around midnight, I realized they were coming every 5 minutes and I had to move and breathe through them. This was just so different than the beginning of Avery’s labor, so I didn’t know what to think? (With Avery I was already at work and comfortable at 5cm, the painful contractions didn’t start until after they broke my water) I decided to fill up the tub and spend some time in there. As I was soaking and contractions continued to come consistently I texted my mom “Are you up?”</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">Immediately I got “Yes!” (The plan was for my parents to come to our house so Avery could sleep the whole night at our house if things happened in the middle of the night) </span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">“I think I may call the midwife, my contractions have been 5 minutes apart for the last 2 hours”</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">“We’ll leave now, you get to the hospital!”</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">“Calm down. I didn’t even wake up Weston yet!”</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">I love my mom. </span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">At 1am I woke Weston up, trying to stay calm and not cause a complete panic. I also talked to the midwife. She asked how I was feeling, and let it up to me when I wanted to come in. I definitely felt like something was happening but wanted to stay home as long as possible. On the other hand, I was GBS+ this time (I was negative with Avery) so the nurse in me became very fixated on getting the two doses of antibiotics I needed. My parents got to our house soon after and we left for the hospital. The drive to the hospital was that stereotypical one from movies I always worried we’d have to make living 30 minutes from the hospital. Weston speeding, me breathing hard through each contraction, dreading the next one and feeling e.v.e.r.y. single bump and turn. Not fun. Something about sitting upright and not being able to move made them 10x worse, and by that point I was thankful we were on our way because flashbacks of how I felt during transition with Avery started to surface. This was happening. </span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">We got to the hospital around 2am and I tried to calmly walk into triage, knowing I was about to see all my former coworkers. A few contractions interrupted registration, and by the way I was leaning, swaying, breathing, and not talking they must have known I needed to be seen and got me straight to a room. The midwife came to check me after what felt like an hour but was probably only 10 minutes. I never even sat down on the bed until she came in, since by this point I had to be standing and moving at all times. The contractions were now coming every 2-3 minutes. She told me I was 5-6cm and intact. All I could think was I wanted the antibiotics ASAP. </span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">After my check the midwife asked “So are you thinking epidural?”</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">Although I had an unmedicated birth with Avery, I was very open minded to an epidural leading up to Brayden’s birth. (Partially because I was just so curious what they felt like after working in labor &amp; delivery four years) With Avery I remember having a strong, determined desire to have a natural labor (also out of curiosity of what it felt like) and this time I just wasn’t in that same place mentally for whatever reason. I looked at Weston with question in my eyes and after an eager nod from him I said, “You know what, yes! I would love an epidural!”</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">They started my bolus and antibiotics in triage, I walked back to the room stopping to breathe through contractions on the way and once we got there I got bossy with Weston, telling him to “Get over here” and to apply counter pressure during contractions. (He doesn’t quite know how to contribute until pushing so this time I must have felt the need to change that HA) I remember feeling like I may be transitioning while we were waiting for the anesthesiologist, but by that time my mind was so set on the epidural I didn’t want to admit what my body was doing. The anesthesiologist entered the room and after a grueling few contractions of having to sit still on the side of the bed (didn’t even feel the epidural placement because of if), I started to feel some glorious relief. And let me tell you, Epidurals are everything everyone raves about and MORE! I absolutely loved that it was the middle of the night, just Weston and I, and we could sit in a peaceful dark room and bask in the anticipation of the arrival of our son! Something we didn’t get to experience in the intensity and speed of my labor with Avery. My contractions were coming literally back to back but by this time all I felt was tightening across my belly and a little pressure. We tried to take naps but I was too excited to sleep! Even being able to rest was so wonderful. My water broke on its own at 6am, they got my second dose of antibiotics in (YAY for crazy nurse brain peace of mind!) and although I was feeling some pressure, I was still so comfortable that I was able to wait until the midwife was available to check me. She was busy due to a crazy morning on the unit but I got to spend the wait catching up with coworkers who were stopping in one by one to say “Hi”. After she finished a few deliveries and took care of an emergency in another room the same midwife who stripped my membranes on Thursday entered the room. It was now Sunday morning, she checked me, and said “Oh he’s right here, ready to have a baby?” !!!!! WAIT. This is happening. Again, that sense of anticipation and excitement that I barely had time to acknowledge last time washed over me. Everyone got ready, Weston held a leg, and I was prepping myself for another strenuous hour or two of hard work ahead after pushing for 1.5 hours with no medication with Avery. I requested a mirror and on the first push I saw almost his entire head! WHAT. Then we waited for another contraction while chatting and laughing, I still wasn’t feeling anything more than pressure and when the next one came and I pushed and he was born!! DOUBLE WHAT! I just had a baby in two pushes and barely felt it (at least compared to what I remembered with Avery). Crazy. I was in awe. I pulled him right up to my chest and snuggled him immediately just like I did Avery. He had the same big mouth and lips and squinty eyes that I remember so well from the first time I laid eyes on her. (also, maybe TMI but since I was so comfortable and able to ease him out so slowly I didn’t tear at all! If you've ever had a baby you know that's reason to celebrate) He was the exact same weight and measurements as Avery born a few days before his due date and perfect as could be. So bottom line. I LOVE EPIDURALS. And also, I LOVE UNMEDICATED BIRTH. I just love birth and babies as a whole and am so thankful for the miracles that they are.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">After reflecting a lot after Brayden’s birth, I honestly found myself not as eager to write his birth story. Will people even think it’s interesting if it wasn’t unmedicated? Should I have been more determined to go unmedicated again? No. I realized I was being ridiculous. His birth story was beautiful in every way, and in hindsight, almost too good to be true! My physical recovery was 10x easier than it was with Avery. I guess all this is to say, I just hope that all women can be proud of their birth stories no. matter. what. Whether it went the way you planned or the complete opposite. Whether it was traumatic or the definition of Zen. Whether you delivered at a birth center or a high-risk hospital. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or c-section. Be proud. Your body is strong, beautiful and capable of amazing things.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lgbJo-tTSJ8/WS8emmqvGHI/AAAAAAAAEdE/R7szoOxvAI8xDRrLItd1C0s8OjEDg_ixACLcB/s1600/BraydenMichael_023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lgbJo-tTSJ8/WS8emmqvGHI/AAAAAAAAEdE/R7szoOxvAI8xDRrLItd1C0s8OjEDg_ixACLcB/s640/BraydenMichael_023.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzILYRXVp8w/WS8enPJT0BI/AAAAAAAAEdI/h69ZMOCAMdgKW2uaR171NLYmirUiRO0ZwCLcB/s1600/BraydenMichael_053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzILYRXVp8w/WS8enPJT0BI/AAAAAAAAEdI/h69ZMOCAMdgKW2uaR171NLYmirUiRO0ZwCLcB/s640/BraydenMichael_053.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmLyC544k6Y/WS8enOivCDI/AAAAAAAAEdM/d2LUthc_4gQgF9W28o57qw7K9OIu1wQ2QCLcB/s1600/BraydenMichael_075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmLyC544k6Y/WS8enOivCDI/AAAAAAAAEdM/d2LUthc_4gQgF9W28o57qw7K9OIu1wQ2QCLcB/s640/BraydenMichael_075.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ul7CkzbJPI/WS8enrwpqEI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/OaFSOF3Nig049f7OtvmlRtVIreZkM68iACLcB/s1600/BraydenMichael_084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ul7CkzbJPI/WS8enrwpqEI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/OaFSOF3Nig049f7OtvmlRtVIreZkM68iACLcB/s640/BraydenMichael_084.JPG" width="426" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-987aC5Vaexg/WS8eoJSdptI/AAAAAAAAEdU/S0ySzvkke7In8WiNOsUGk_oEfYR7V6TWgCLcB/s1600/BraydenMichael_097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-987aC5Vaexg/WS8eoJSdptI/AAAAAAAAEdU/S0ySzvkke7In8WiNOsUGk_oEfYR7V6TWgCLcB/s640/BraydenMichael_097.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcTaBkrurek/WS8eKRp7IEI/AAAAAAAAEdA/oHBhmpeIAMk-QbigjDr91LJJjaBPOnBVwCLcB/s1600/BraydenMichael_037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcTaBkrurek/WS8eKRp7IEI/AAAAAAAAEdA/oHBhmpeIAMk-QbigjDr91LJJjaBPOnBVwCLcB/s640/BraydenMichael_037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><br /></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-49232188040726374282017-02-13T09:23:00.002-08:002017-02-13T11:22:01.484-08:00What's in my Hospital Bag // Do's and Don'ts from an L&D nurseIn just a few days, I will be 37 weeks pregnant (!) so I am officially packed and ready to roll whenever baby boy is! From four years of experience as a nurse in labor &amp; delivery, and one delivery as a patient, I feel like I have a good idea of the necessities (and non necessities) so I wanted to share what is in my bag and the do's and don'ts of packing.<br><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6MTG9H-dNcY/WKHr2ZD0v_I/AAAAAAAAEas/IaFzcS02gxU/s640/blogger-image--22258543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6MTG9H-dNcY/WKHr2ZD0v_I/AAAAAAAAEas/IaFzcS02gxU/s640/blogger-image--22258543.jpg"></a></div><br><i><span style="font-size: large;">What is in my bag: (Do pack...)</span></i><br><br><b>Toiletries:</b><br>-chapstick<br>-hairties <br>-tissues<br>-soap/shampoo<br>-brush (Wetbrush to be exact)<br>-glasses/contacts<br>-toothbrush/toothpaste<br>-deodorant (LOVING Lavanila natural deodorant right now!)<br>-hair products (along the lines of dry&nbsp;shampoo,&nbsp;scrunch spray &amp; gel cause chances are I'm not taking the time to&nbsp;blow&nbsp;dry and style it)<br>-headbands (for labor and beyond)<br><br><b>Miscellaneous:</b><br>-phone charger with extra long cord (to reach bed while charging)<br>-camera (trying my best to not only document on my phone!)<br>-bluetooth speaker<br>-diffuser and essential oils (make sure your hospital allows use of them)<br>-rice bag (microwavable to use as heading pad, hospital provided heating pads don't get very hot)<br>-granola &amp; protein bars<br>-coconut water &amp; Gatorade (better hydration for labor and beyond than hospital juice or soda)<br><b>-</b>large water bottle<br>-pillows from home (hospital pillows are always in short supply and super flat)<br>-abdominal binder (I loved having extra support for my core after delivery&nbsp;and am convinced it helped minimize my bleeding and the time it took for my muscles to heal and uterus to shrink back to its normal size)<br><br><b>Clothing for me:</b><br>-bathing suit top for labor (perfect for shower and Jacuzzi and easy to remove for first feeding)<br>-robe<br>-slippers<br>-socks<br>-yoga pants<br>-pj shorts<br>-nursing tanks<br>-nursing bras<br>-loose tshirts<br>-flip flops (for shower)<br><br><b>For baby:</b><br><b>-</b>swaddle blankets<br>-hats<br>-going home outfit<br>-socks<br>-1 onesie and sleeper<br>-boppy pillow<br>-nursing cover (love my 360 cover, perfect when unexpected visitors stop by!)<br><br><b>For husband:</b><br>-extra sweats<br>-socks/slippers<br>-pillow from home<br>-blanket from home<br>-snacks<br><br><i><span style="font-size: large;">What NOT to pack...</span>(based on my experience at one hospital)</i><br><span style="font-size: large;"><i>-</i></span><b>5 page birth plan</b> - labor is unpredictable. Preferences for your Labor &amp;&nbsp;Delivery experience&nbsp;based on your personal beliefs and preparation are wonderful, but remember: the end goal is healthy mom &amp; healthy baby. The best mindset to have is an<i> open</i> one. I can't tell you how many times I've seen patients come in with such a detailed plan, attempting to control every step is almost guaranteed disappointment. With that said, there is nothing wrong with advocating for yourself and as long as everything looks good, laboring and delivering in a hospital with minimal interventions. I labored naturally with minimal monitoring for&nbsp;my daughter, but when I was pushing did need a scalp electrode to monitor her heartrate due to decelerations. <br>- <b>Fashionable hospital gown</b>- please just use what the hospital provides! Save your money. Labor is not a fashion show, and chances are the "cute" ones you find online have openings that make monitoring or&nbsp;working around&nbsp;IV's more difficult than need be. Also, delivery is messy. Chances are it will get ruined anyway! The same goes for your favorite fuzzy socks. Save them for postpartum!<br>-<b> Specially bought "Granny" underwear</b> - this is one of the most common things I hear moms telling each other to buy, but don't understand. Again, save your money! The hospital provides mesh undies that are superrrr comfortable and disposable! Wear them from the time you are admitted into labor &amp; delivery to the time you go home. And grab a few pairs to take home with you to wear until your bleeding subsides! They hold the bulky pads better than normal underwear too!<br>- <b>Pads</b> - along the same lines of the point I made above, the hospital provides everything you need! Multiple sizes of pads as well as medicated pads and sprays. The hospital I worked at &amp; deliver at provides tucks pads (little circles meant for hemorrhoids but perfect for any soreness or swelling caused from delivery, line your pad front to&nbsp;back&nbsp;with them!) dermoplast spray (a numbing spray for pain relief after delivery) I will say, its nice to have some smaller pads to wear for a few weeks once you're home, but no need to bring them to the hospital!<br>- <b>Breast pump- </b>the hospital provides double electric pumps for all patients to use while in the hospital AND chances are you will be sent home with a brand new one provided by insurance. (again this is based on my hospital) I see moms registering/buying/packing pumps all the time and its just not necessary! The hospital also provides all pump parts when you need to use it in the hospital, so don't buy or pack those either. Also remember, not all mom's need to pump in the hospital! <br>-<b>Baby's entire wardrobe</b>- while you are in the hospital, your baby will only need to wear a hat, tshirt, diaper, and swaddled in a blanket. For the amount of times baby will be assessed and unbundled in a day, there is just no need to dress them in full outfits as fun as it may be! All you need is an outfit for photos and a going home outfit. The hospital provides little white tshirts and diapers, so if anything pack a few cute hats/headbands and swaddle blankets. <br>-<b>Wipes</b>- along with diapers being provided, the hospital provides little gauze squares that are perfect to use as wipes the first few days. Just add a little warm&nbsp;water and that is all you need to change the first few days worth of diapers. Baby's skin is so sensitive store bought wipes can actually irritate it. <br>-<b>Nipple shield</b> - although you can buy them in the store, do not buy or use a nipple shield unless a lactation consultant tells you you need one. The ultimate goal for all moms is to nurse without any kind of aid, but sometimes they are necessary! Save your money and let a professional help you decide that! Using the correct size is also crucial so again, let a lactation consultant help you. Also as a side note, colostrum and breast milk makes for&nbsp;the best&nbsp;"nipple cream" for soreness and chapping in the first few days of nursing instead of store bought ointment. <br><br><br>Hopefully this is helpful! If nothing else it helped me mentally double check that I have everything I need! The countdown is on! <br><br><br></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-25385133214356123332017-01-26T18:26:00.003-08:002017-01-26T21:18:48.869-08:00Hello Again!<br>I'm back for my yearly "I'm going to blog more" post which I had every intention of writing&nbsp;on&nbsp;New Year's day, and yet&nbsp;here we are at the end of January already! First of all, if you didn't already know, I am in the home stretch of my pregnancy with baby #2. We found out late summer we were expecting, and now know a baby brother for Avery is growing by the day! I am 34&nbsp;weeks&nbsp;today and can hardly believe how fast time is flying! (We have yet to touch the room that will be his nursery...yikes.) So here is a little interview style recap of the pregnancy so far:<br><br><b>How did you find out you were pregnant?</b><br><br><div>We decided to stop birth control in May, unsure of how long it would take to conceive this time around but knowing we wanted our first two pretty close in age. In mid-June, the day we got home from a family&nbsp;vacation&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Outer Banks, I took a test on a Saturday morning when Weston was home because I had super vivid dreams the entire week on vacation and&nbsp;woke up at 6am a few days&nbsp;having to pee (these were the&nbsp;first symptoms I had with Avery's pregnancy so I just had a feeling!) and sure enough, there were TWO LINES! It was so fun to have him there in the moment like last time. There's no way I would be able to wait until he was home for work if I would have&nbsp;found out during the week! We were so happy but also a bit in shock with the reality that&nbsp;it was&nbsp;all happening again.&nbsp;As an OB nurse I know the statistics of&nbsp;how long&nbsp;conception can&nbsp;take and unfortunately how&nbsp;often&nbsp;miscarriage happens&nbsp;(ignorance is bliss!) so although so far both pregnancies have started quickly and with a lot of excitement, there has also been&nbsp;a&nbsp;lot of anxiety and uncertainty.&nbsp;The first trimester has been a struggle for me mentally both times because of this, but I&nbsp;owe my sanity&nbsp;through those weeks to my encouraging husband,&nbsp;LOTS of prayer and a home doppler. Pregnancy has&nbsp;proven to be&nbsp;such a needed faith &amp; trust growing experience for me both times, and for that I am so thankful. </div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>How&nbsp;was your&nbsp;first trimester cravings and symptoms?</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>For most of the first 14 weeks, I was convinced&nbsp;we were&nbsp;having another girl because this pregnancy has been almost identical to Avery's. I was nauseous in the evenings but thankfully not vomitting,&nbsp;and craved super salty&nbsp;foods, carbs,&nbsp;and veggies. It took awhile for me to really pop again, in fact I'm carrying almost identical to Avery&nbsp;even though&nbsp;I'm carrying&nbsp;a boy. I&nbsp;fought fatigue so much more through my first trimester, whether it was hormonal differences or just the fact that I&nbsp;now have a little one to take care of and chase after unlike the first time when I could nap and lay around as much as I wanted.&nbsp;I haven't had any significant symptoms into the second and third trimester, and am thankful to have my energy back and feel pretty much like my normal self except for&nbsp;dressing&nbsp;my growing belly. &nbsp;</div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>How did you find out the gender?</b></div><div><br></div><div>At 14 weeks I chose to get a new blood test&nbsp;done that detects DNA&nbsp;to determine the sex of&nbsp; the baby. Avery's anatomy scan was more stressful than fun when they couldn't see what they needed for an hour to be able to tell us her gender. So this time, I loved that we could not only find out earlier but know for sure the results were correct! In a few days, I had a midwife check the results while I was at work and she revealed the news, we were having a BOY! I immediately called Weston and he was&nbsp;happy to say the least. Avery is such&nbsp;a Daddy's girl and he is wrapped around her little finger,&nbsp;but I knew deep down he&nbsp;was really hoping for&nbsp;a boy. We didn't even bother with a gender reveal party&nbsp;or cute way of&nbsp;telling family and friends, we just called and texted everyone as soon as possible in our excitement. Sure enough, the anatomy scan at 20 weeks was a polar opposite experience from Avery's, with&nbsp;no pressure of seeing the gender, which of course he showed us proudly anyway! We were&nbsp;on cloud nine watching him yawn kick and wiggle around.<br><br><b>Does Avery understand what is happening?</b><br><b></b></div><div><br></div><div>At 18 months she definitely has limited understanding of what is actually coming, but she is obsessed with any kind of baby doll, kissing and holding and rocking them any chance she can. She also loves my belly, always trying to pull up my shirt when she's sitting on my lap. She also&nbsp;kisses it without any prompting which almost brings me to tears every time. If we see a baby in public she will exclaim "bay-bee!" and light up so I am confident she will be an amazing big sister. We will have to watch her though because she has a sweet tendency to share her snacks with her baby dolls, we'll have to work on teaching her that baby brother doesn't eat goldfish ha. <br>____________________________________________________________________<br><br>Avery will be 18 months old in 2 days, so I decided its about time to put off the procrastination of professionally documenting this stage of life. We had intentions of getting family photos done&nbsp;before Christmas, which unfortunately never happened. So this week <a href="http://www.kellylappphotography.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Lapp Photography</a>&nbsp;came over on a rainy&nbsp;Monday morning for a documentary session of&nbsp;our routine on a normal morning at home. I am so excited to have these simple memories documented of our time together before baby brother arrives. Plus, we were home in our PJs! No worry of&nbsp;coordinating outfits&nbsp;and&nbsp;less than&nbsp;excited husband and kids. <br><br><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkzg144tMro/WIqt60ri7mI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/W7voCsu6qOoKfkM5PxZWp5J3wm2vHZGngCLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkzg144tMro/WIqt60ri7mI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/W7voCsu6qOoKfkM5PxZWp5J3wm2vHZGngCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_002.JPG" width="640"></a><br><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMnx9VrkYBw/WIqt6ZRz4PI/AAAAAAAAEZM/fpoxlXgNyYsX1xWH_PRNgm6RYBlKOhKbQCLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMnx9VrkYBw/WIqt6ZRz4PI/AAAAAAAAEZM/fpoxlXgNyYsX1xWH_PRNgm6RYBlKOhKbQCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_003.JPG" width="640"></a><br><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vd1M-2WTNKg/WIqt7JOPPiI/AAAAAAAAEZU/p0xlai3ztu07h-MGClp8Vp3oMI-eGd95gCLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vd1M-2WTNKg/WIqt7JOPPiI/AAAAAAAAEZU/p0xlai3ztu07h-MGClp8Vp3oMI-eGd95gCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_008.JPG" width="640"></a><br><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vJ3S8BbnmY/WIqtPQwSLHI/AAAAAAAAEYY/Qsaj3mpai1Is4Un32Vo5ilKv2ZfZ5PgagCLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vJ3S8BbnmY/WIqtPQwSLHI/AAAAAAAAEYY/Qsaj3mpai1Is4Un32Vo5ilKv2ZfZ5PgagCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_031.JPG" width="640"></a><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByJsY1oXfT8/WIqtNQassuI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/p9ILknOg_6UeBD1kkRlIoS9ypddZ8wxEACLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByJsY1oXfT8/WIqtNQassuI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/p9ILknOg_6UeBD1kkRlIoS9ypddZ8wxEACLcB/s640/morningwithavery_033.JPG" width="640"></a><br><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZND7MrzNo_8/WIqtM5ZfAWI/AAAAAAAAEYM/X9A2Bm_8XCwNWGGp15AV3QpzzDpjEACVACLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZND7MrzNo_8/WIqtM5ZfAWI/AAAAAAAAEYM/X9A2Bm_8XCwNWGGp15AV3QpzzDpjEACVACLcB/s640/morningwithavery_034.JPG" width="640"></a><br>This year my hope is to cherish the everyday just as these photos do. To slow down, live simply, be present, and soak in the beauty that is life. 2017, you're already proving to be an interesting one but I'm ready to make the best of you!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmCnjwN_YkU/WIqtPSXkP5I/AAAAAAAAEYU/lISo-IUHdEkTq-00kT-UEstK7r9WI2HgACLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmCnjwN_YkU/WIqtPSXkP5I/AAAAAAAAEYU/lISo-IUHdEkTq-00kT-UEstK7r9WI2HgACLcB/s640/morningwithavery_040.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhS-QbYnlQc/WIqtQAOmMnI/AAAAAAAAEYc/XeIA0NToTlsjeKEsJ2pL0Dg-581H1UVkACLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhS-QbYnlQc/WIqtQAOmMnI/AAAAAAAAEYc/XeIA0NToTlsjeKEsJ2pL0Dg-581H1UVkACLcB/s640/morningwithavery_047.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cE9zxgM47gg/WIquADJ4cjI/AAAAAAAAEZs/xJAjl6NdJHM0gyBt-MLl-rWrUs7QFeYqgCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_206.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-st9DxocaaBc/WIquAqSwl8I/AAAAAAAAEZw/fu6obZbr8SUKc0sfqNr_VEllmBxswc33gCLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-st9DxocaaBc/WIquAqSwl8I/AAAAAAAAEZw/fu6obZbr8SUKc0sfqNr_VEllmBxswc33gCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_214.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82hdKS3b1iY/WIqtVLejnbI/AAAAAAAAEY8/LUlHZU7PPnMiYn8xFoWjsiOUMHLe7gIVwCLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82hdKS3b1iY/WIqtVLejnbI/AAAAAAAAEY8/LUlHZU7PPnMiYn8xFoWjsiOUMHLe7gIVwCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_127.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg1vhCuPbG0/WIqtUrWTVeI/AAAAAAAAEY4/1eThg8_cuMMrqc6YrmnFCIIoZRLS32NPgCLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg1vhCuPbG0/WIqtUrWTVeI/AAAAAAAAEY4/1eThg8_cuMMrqc6YrmnFCIIoZRLS32NPgCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_120.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V21dLutWlN8/WIqtT4iP6tI/AAAAAAAAEY0/0rX6qtxmMMMi8tOsfiDh_faTGfs78r6OgCLcB/s1600/morningwithavery_099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V21dLutWlN8/WIqtT4iP6tI/AAAAAAAAEY0/0rX6qtxmMMMi8tOsfiDh_faTGfs78r6OgCLcB/s640/morningwithavery_099.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><b><br></b></div><br>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-57192987628836532952016-06-08T17:57:00.001-07:002016-06-08T17:57:34.165-07:00MomentsThe longer I live "adult" life the more I realize where the beauty truly lies. Vacations are wonderful &amp; new adventures are good for the soul, but I have found that it is in everyday moments when, without warning, my heart overflows with thankfulness and my eyes with tears. This life is such a beautiful gift.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I put down the iPhone (Please tell me I'm not the only one who has documented the last few years of life on their cell phone) and tried my hand at real photography with a real camera. My baby captured in the beautiful everyday routine. Our rhythm. Our bond. I need to do this more often!&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rqXEonDMPLc/V1i-3tYoudI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/vieRE-uvcsM/s640/blogger-image--1240508373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rqXEonDMPLc/V1i-3tYoudI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/vieRE-uvcsM/s640/blogger-image--1240508373.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_QnVHT3NEoI/V1i-40WpwhI/AAAAAAAAEQU/vG84AK8IzSk/s640/blogger-image--1037509038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_QnVHT3NEoI/V1i-40WpwhI/AAAAAAAAEQU/vG84AK8IzSk/s640/blogger-image--1037509038.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VisLCk8nzSk/V1i--D18HsI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/ol4tDlnnEtc/s640/blogger-image-1929269583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQYUZ5ms30M/V1i-845aOMI/AAAAAAAAEQs/3YuyOzMn_ik/s640/blogger-image--1071291150.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O6Xk3vTypuw/V1i-6FhGeLI/AAAAAAAAEQc/6-fhJ3RZjYc/s640/blogger-image--1153776651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O6Xk3vTypuw/V1i-6FhGeLI/AAAAAAAAEQc/6-fhJ3RZjYc/s640/blogger-image--1153776651.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AThmj4FRv9Y/V1i-2ujKv8I/AAAAAAAAEQI/vLyyTL8Fd-Q/s640/blogger-image--279656897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AThmj4FRv9Y/V1i-2ujKv8I/AAAAAAAAEQI/vLyyTL8Fd-Q/s640/blogger-image--279656897.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--JDaemDgVks/V1i-7hflLHI/AAAAAAAAEQk/X23F-bthc_c/s640/blogger-image--1731840091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sjF-vfM0sCI/V1i-ynZCRFI/AAAAAAAAEPw/I7WIQhuMMcY/s640/blogger-image--1714354980.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-14307230195259853142016-01-27T11:07:00.001-08:002016-01-27T11:09:32.360-08:00Winter Book ListOne of my goals for 2016 is less screen time and more book reading. I make time to do the first every day, so I know it's a matter of making time for the second. It may mean resisting the "must be productive" bug in my ear during naptime to sit down and read a chapter or two before doing the dishes, but I need to do it. I am currently reading "The Best Yes" by Lysa Terkeurst and it has been so good for me. I am encouraged yet challenged with each page. I used to be a big reader before adulthood and motherhood and social media. I want to get back to that person that would fly through a book in an afternoon and get lost in its pages. Here is my reading list for the winter!&nbsp;<div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1. One thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">2. For the Love by Jen Hatmaker&nbsp;</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">3. The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">4. Simply Tuesday by Emily Freeman</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">5. Nobody's Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">6. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">7. Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist&nbsp;</div></div><div><br></div><div>In t<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">his season of life I am loving inspirational, spiritually &amp; practically applicable books with relatable authors. Please share your suggestions of books that are must reads!&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mrs. Back to Bookworm</span></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-49785926834604530172015-10-23T06:41:00.001-07:002015-10-23T06:41:31.830-07:00Coconut Mocha Protein SmoothieGood morning! Just had to share the recipie for a protien smoothie I made this morning. I totally made it up but it turned out to be delicious!&nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DQXiBGpyatU/Vio5Ceuu_2I/AAAAAAAAELE/W3TOjboQN_k/s640/blogger-image--982511477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DQXiBGpyatU/Vio5Ceuu_2I/AAAAAAAAELE/W3TOjboQN_k/s640/blogger-image--982511477.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Coconut Mocha protein Smoothie&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2 cups ice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 cup water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1/2 banana</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 scoop chocolate protein</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 T instant coffee&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2 T shredded coconut&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 T mini chocolate chips&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1 T chia seeds&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blend and enjoy!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-67404871292281982512015-10-02T14:11:00.001-07:002015-10-02T14:11:27.168-07:00{2 Months}<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tL-k3QGY_uY/Vg7y_NLT6qI/AAAAAAAAEJE/HJ1kpN6HYQk/s640/blogger-image-1968449145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tL-k3QGY_uY/Vg7y_NLT6qI/AAAAAAAAEJE/HJ1kpN6HYQk/s640/blogger-image-1968449145.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">happy 2 months baby girl!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You are growing so much! You are now 11lb 7oz (up 3+ pounds from birth) and 24in long (up 3 inches from birth) which puts you in the 98th percentile for height and head size and 60th percentile for weight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You are out of all your newborn clothes and stretching the length limits of your 0-3 month onesies! We also will be moving up to size 2 diapers next time we have to buy them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You study our mouths and faces when we talk to you and respond with smiles and coos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You are still a great traveler, and still sleep when we drive for more than 5 minutes&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You love looking around and hold your head up on your own when being held and a little at a time when your on your tummy&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You like your wubanub and you don't like to be swaddles anymore, in fact you sleep in your crib completely sprawled out.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You are sleeping great overnight and finally liking your crib. On a typical night you sleep from 8pm-4am then after eating sleep again until 8am&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You are such a happy little girl, you are content to play by yourself under your activity mat and bat at toys, kick, and look at your hands&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You stil get hangry and let us know when you're ready to eat&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You are standing on our laps when we hold yo and pushing off so we're getting you a jumper soon!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• You get hiccups a lot and daddy still worries if you can breathe :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We love you so much &amp; feel so limbless end to be your parents!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-77104756211740095182015-09-30T06:15:00.001-07:002015-09-30T07:04:54.423-07:00My Pregnancy Must HavesAs I reflect on my first pregnancy, I am thankful for a few products that helped me through those 39 weeks. I am by no means an expert but I enjoy hearing about what works for people so I thought I would share a few of my pregnancy favorites!&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>1. <i>Home Fetal Dopple</i>r- I am an L&amp;D nurse so I was pretty nervous early on and wanted to be able to monitor my baby's heartrate to reassure myself before I could feel movement. It takes a little practice if you're new to it and does NOT replace a qualified practitioner's assessment, but it helped me. I found mine on Amazon for $35 (make sure you order ultrasound gel too!)&nbsp;</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-usfI8urGsVU/VgvgiDx9POI/AAAAAAAAEH4/EAiYIUqC-S8/s640/blogger-image--48638509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-usfI8urGsVU/VgvgiDx9POI/AAAAAAAAEH4/EAiYIUqC-S8/s640/blogger-image--48638509.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. <i>Belly butters &amp; oils</i>- just stock up on anything and everything. I used the belly butter and body oil from Burt's Bees Mama Bee line, Cocoa Butter for stretch marks, plain Coconut oil, and a homemade belly butter with shea butter coconut oil and frankinsense, grapefruit, and lavendar essential oils. My opinion on &nbsp;preventing stretch marks is much more than what you slather on your belly, but I put on something every time I got out of the shower and every night before bed. Staying well hydrated and gaining weight gradually are also key! I avoided stretch marks until the last week of my pregnancy (grrr so close)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDCr_MY9YWA/VgviBVtOU8I/AAAAAAAAEIE/Bcw7E6NIdok/s640/blogger-image-688868776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDCr_MY9YWA/VgviBVtOU8I/AAAAAAAAEIE/Bcw7E6NIdok/s640/blogger-image-688868776.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3. <i>Essential oils</i>- I bought a Young Living starter kit out of curiosity two years ago and have never looked back. As a nurse, I believe there is a time and place for modern medicine. But for everyday needs why not replace over the counter medications with something completely natural? I loved using peppermint for nausea, lavendar to help me sleep, grapefruit &amp; lemon oil for energy in my water, and stress away and peace &amp; calming for the moments my hormones got the best of me. I also used a blend called Claraderm that I was told helped prevent tearing. I started using it at 37 weeks, sprayed it a few times a day "down there" and I delivered an 8lb 3oz baby with a 14 1/4 inch head only needing a few external stitches (that my midwife said would not have been necessary if I didn't want them) My sister and sister in law also used it and did not tear with their 2nd and third babies after having episieotomys and 2nd degree tears previously. I wouldn't be endorsing these things if I didn't believe in them myself. (Email me at alyssajoy11@gmail.com if you have questions or are interested in ordering something at wholesale cost)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uX3hBmXrCJA/Vgvl6GG8RhI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/5y3hgSomKk4/s640/blogger-image-911609555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uX3hBmXrCJA/Vgvl6GG8RhI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/5y3hgSomKk4/s640/blogger-image-911609555.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4. <i>Long tank tops</i>- simple I know, but I didn't want to invest in tons of maternity clothes so nice long tank tops allowed me to stay covered and comfortable but get more use out of my normal wardrobe. I can't rave enough about H&amp;Ms 2/$10 camis and tanks and of course Motherhood Maternity for tanks made specifically for pregnancy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AuTIioxBKx0/Vgvo2vfsXiI/AAAAAAAAEIk/9acy9JONStU/s640/blogger-image-951662493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AuTIioxBKx0/Vgvo2vfsXiI/AAAAAAAAEIk/9acy9JONStU/s640/blogger-image-951662493.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5. <i>Maternity jean</i>s- these were worth investing in! I did the whole jeans unzipped, hair tie across the button trick as long as I could, but when I finally broke down and bought a pair &nbsp;I lived in my H&amp;M maternity jeans. They are $40 for the cutest comfiest maternity jeans out there. (in fact their maternity section in general was my favorite)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SipNmWUlq_g/Vgvo1mBw9rI/AAAAAAAAEIc/AHfmYvLOYXc/s640/blogger-image--518187298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SipNmWUlq_g/Vgvo1mBw9rI/AAAAAAAAEIc/AHfmYvLOYXc/s640/blogger-image--518187298.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5. G<i>lass water bottl</i>e- hydration hydration hydration. I always had a water bottle with me, especially at the end of my pregnancy on the heat of the summer. **When putting essential oils in water, only use glass cups and water bottles! The strength of Citrus essential oils literally eats through plastic!** and when it's cute it makes it more fun to drink right? I found mine at Target.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F7ED-lgAvYE/VgvqXYdS3KI/AAAAAAAAEIw/OVqQbLIXOKg/s640/blogger-image-1360773653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F7ED-lgAvYE/VgvqXYdS3KI/AAAAAAAAEIw/OVqQbLIXOKg/s640/blogger-image-1360773653.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">6. Memory foam mattress topper- I didn't use a pregnancy pillow and can honestly say I slept great until the day I delivered. I refused to spend $70 on a huge pillow that took up half the bed and I wouldn't use after those 9 months. Some people love them. I however, invested in a $100 mattress topper from Costco that made our mediocre mattress 100x more comfortable and let me sleep comfortably on my side. My hip and shoulder sank into the memory foam and I put a normal pillow between my knees and hugged another one and voila! I slept great. And now 2 months out from being pregnant I am still enjoying a comfortable bed.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm sure I'm forgetting something but these are at the top of my list!&nbsp;</div><br></div><br></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-6377994311865153892015-09-17T08:56:00.001-07:002015-09-17T09:00:42.778-07:00Starbucks at homeAs thrifty as I am with clothing, it is way too easy for me to drop $5 on a yummy drink at Starbucks. Do I know it's a ridiculous waste of money? Yes. Does it stop me from doing it over and over? Nope. The Cold Brew I made at home a few posts a go was a major success so I went on the hunt to recreate one of my go-to drinks.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Especially over the summer, I can't get enough of this drink: Iced Green tea latte with coconut milk and only 2 pumps of classic. (my husband laughs at me for my complicated orders. One time I sent him to order one for me the barista instantly knew he was ordering for his wife) As I was grocery shopping the other day I noticed a matcha green tea concentrate so I had to try it! It was $3.99 for a 32 ounce container. Then I picked up coconut milk for $1.99 (unsweetened because the concentrate is already sweetened and I order 2 pumps of classic at Starbucks for it to be less sweet) So just $6 for all I need to make at least a few drinks equivalent to the grande size I get for just under $5.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Put some ice in a cup, mix your desired ratio of concentrate to milk and it actually turned out pretty good! At Starbucks they use a powder so it's more creamy and concentrated than the at home version that is more of a tea concentrate. But for the money I save I'd say it does the trick!&nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DvVWWs-doro/VfriyZpBHVI/AAAAAAAAEHY/70m9WpvuTY4/s640/blogger-image--198200951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DvVWWs-doro/VfriyZpBHVI/AAAAAAAAEHY/70m9WpvuTY4/s640/blogger-image--198200951.jpg"></a></div></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-48150203831601981942015-09-10T19:32:00.001-07:002015-09-10T19:32:00.761-07:00Fall WishlistWhether summer decides to end or not, I am more than ready for all things pumpkin and cliche fall. Fall fashion always excites me and this years trends are ones worth adding to my closet. I'm loving the cozy textures and vintage vibes I'm seeing in storefronts and magazines. Here are a few staple pieces I will be keeping an eye out for. My goal is to find them all at Goodwill or if not, for under $50.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div><b><i>Sherpa</i></b> <b><i>Vest</i></b></div><div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ub1vi4t0K3A/VfI9H1YdI9I/AAAAAAAAEFQ/OKB-QhPpTsM/s640/blogger-image-1238490361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ub1vi4t0K3A/VfI9H1YdI9I/AAAAAAAAEFQ/OKB-QhPpTsM/s640/blogger-image-1238490361.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Light wash distressed jeans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bk8No6hs_-E/VfI9GTVTtbI/AAAAAAAAEFI/GYjOoBwVTd0/s640/blogger-image-669524213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bk8No6hs_-E/VfI9GTVTtbI/AAAAAAAAEFI/GYjOoBwVTd0/s640/blogger-image-669524213.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Timberland style boots&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJVEycoiHoI/VfI9FOsv5sI/AAAAAAAAEFA/ZFxemtC3icU/s640/blogger-image-212641022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJVEycoiHoI/VfI9FOsv5sI/AAAAAAAAEFA/ZFxemtC3icU/s640/blogger-image-212641022.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fringe purse&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CgzwqCf_Kpw/VfI9DjFS5LI/AAAAAAAAEE4/sj4LkNaOjsE/s640/blogger-image-1137502864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CgzwqCf_Kpw/VfI9DjFS5LI/AAAAAAAAEE4/sj4LkNaOjsE/s640/blogger-image-1137502864.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Let the bargain hunting begin!&nbsp;</div><br></i></b></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-76458946726177902182015-09-03T13:46:00.001-07:002015-09-04T11:48:56.239-07:00Mommy Documentation NecessitiesAs a general rule, I tend to go overboard with documenting. Just as I expected, motherhood has amplified this x10. These three products have quickly become must haves for mommyhood documentation. I highly recommend them to all moms out there!&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>1. <b>Emily Ley Baby Book</b> ($62)&nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">lets just say I did alot of research to find the perfect baby book and this one blew every other option out of the water. It is worth every dollar.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Za3IUe7SpO0/Veixsnu2IbI/AAAAAAAAED0/1yQ8Q-HKcJw/s640/blogger-image-1145541109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Za3IUe7SpO0/Veixsnu2IbI/AAAAAAAAED0/1yQ8Q-HKcJw/s640/blogger-image-1145541109.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Order yours here--&gt; http://www.emilyley.com/collections/baby-book</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">2. <b>Mom's One Line a Day Journal</b> ($16.95)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">this sweet journal is pretty and managlble, with a small space for a daily entry that spans over 5 years. Each page has 5 entries spaces that allows you to reflect on what happened in your little ones's life on that day over the years.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C1Pg5HPj8ns/VeixnBFlCHI/AAAAAAAAEDk/D3gSckgCAUU/s640/blogger-image-1246398268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C1Pg5HPj8ns/VeixnBFlCHI/AAAAAAAAEDk/D3gSckgCAUU/s640/blogger-image-1246398268.jpg"></a></div>Order yours here--&gt;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/home-gift-moms-one-line-a-day-a-five-year-memory-book/28517188</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">3. <b>Chatbooks</b> ($6 for a 60 photo book)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I finally jumped on this bandwagon after hearing good things about it for months. Download the app and start getting printed books of your Instagram feed or make custom books. I am so excited to be getting all off my photos tangibly printed into books since I got Instagram in 2011. And you can't beat the price!&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6o5YoLiM6do/VeixqI2KxII/AAAAAAAAEDs/kGlTtasgS3k/s640/blogger-image-1323497495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6o5YoLiM6do/VeixqI2KxII/AAAAAAAAEDs/kGlTtasgS3k/s640/blogger-image-1323497495.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div>If you use this promo code you will get your first book FREE! --&gt; 3ULJFQW6</div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-42721145417936214782015-08-28T19:50:00.001-07:002015-08-28T20:11:16.791-07:00{month one}What a whirlwind of a month it has been! It's hard to believe the 28th has already rolled around and we have been getting to know our little human for a whole month. Thanks to my busybody nature (can you say cabin fever after one week?) we have squeezed in a lot of adventure and "firsts" for Avery in this first month.&nbsp;<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>This month we have&nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">gone on walks &amp; coffee dates, to the grocery store &amp; a greenhouse, to the hospital to visit another baby friend, going to a "mom's group" I joined, a weekend at the cabin, dressing up and sleeping through Sunday morning church, cheering on Daddy at his baseball games, and of course we paid a visit to Goodwill. (more coming on my finds soon)&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FaMhmFbn_Xc/VeEhPWi008I/AAAAAAAAEB8/oKxuSj9ij_E/s640/blogger-image-110934191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FaMhmFbn_Xc/VeEhPWi008I/AAAAAAAAEB8/oKxuSj9ij_E/s640/blogger-image-110934191.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have learned so much about your personality and how to best take care of you. It feels like we have so much more to learn to "figure you out" but we seem to be on the right track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- You are a great sleeper and get HANGRY just like your parents.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- You love your car seat and fall asleep almost every time we drive&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- Some newborn pants still fit but you're mostly wearing 0-3 months</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- You don't like diaper changes or baths</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- You're happiest when you're held and snuggled</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-Everyone's says you look like Mommy (it looks like you're going to have blonde hair and blue eyes)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-You eat every 2-2.5 hours during the day and nap in between. You go to bed between 8 and 10pm and usually wake up at 1-2am and 4-6am to eat.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-You are taking a bottle well (practice for when Mom goes back to work) and only like pacifiers if you're hungry&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- You are strong &amp; you're trying to hold you head up and roll on your side already!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bVtfM9ry9UA/VeEiEvzxNaI/AAAAAAAAECE/L3SCu7ilpSM/s640/blogger-image-1963792328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bVtfM9ry9UA/VeEiEvzxNaI/AAAAAAAAECE/L3SCu7ilpSM/s640/blogger-image-1963792328.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We love you Avery Grace!&nbsp;</div><br></span></div><div><i><br></i></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-72330128555235974142015-08-18T14:53:00.001-07:002015-08-18T21:30:29.221-07:00The Story of Avery GraceOn July 28th 2015 at 1:34am we met our Avery Grace. One week early, 8lb 3oz, 21in long, and that 14.25in head that made Mama work hard. I've put off writing her birth story just because I barely know where to start or how to put into words the events and emotions leading up to her birth. So here goes nothing!<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gSfRHSd3Low/VdPz3ocdzfI/AAAAAAAAD_E/WrFZC1toJao/s640/blogger-image-2072226865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gSfRHSd3Low/VdPz3ocdzfI/AAAAAAAAD_E/WrFZC1toJao/s640/blogger-image-2072226865.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>I'll start the story the Saturday before she was born. I was working short shifts to get my hours in so my maternity leave didn't start until after she was born. (and what better place to work than the Labor &amp; Delivery unit I'd be delivering in) Weston felt much better when I was at work too knowing I was where I needed to be if anything happened. We live 30 minutes from the hospital so he was getting anxious we would need to make a middle of the night or stressful, speedy drive in. At the end of my 4 hour shift I pulled the midwife aside to ask if she would check me to see if I had progressed from my 1-2cm dilation on my Thursday office visit. I was surprised to hear I was 3cm and my cervix was soft and thinning. So I went home for the weekend, hoping I would deliver before having to come in for my 8 hour shift on Monday morning.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Fast forward to Sunday night and I got a sense something was happening. I lost my mucous plug that morning (sorry if that's TMI) and was having contractions that felt like strong cramps about 10 minutes apart. They never got closer together or stronger and I was not going to be the nurse that went to the hospital thinking I was in labor only to get sent home. (This mindset made Weston worry I was going to wait too long at home) That night was a lot of tossing and turning, bathroom trips, and contractions strong enough to wake me up but not strong enough or close enough together to make me think I was in true labor.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Sure enough to 5:48am rolled around, my alarm went off, and to work I went. 7-3pm felt like a painfully long shift for the state I was in, but I got my assignment and tried to take my focus off my 39week pregnant self. My patient had a beautiful delivery around noon, of course it was a baby girl to help my patience! As I was standing at the computer charting I felt a subtle "gush" of fluid. I went to the bathroom and didn't see obvious fluid so I denied the fact that my water may have just broken. After sharing my confusion with a few coworkers and my husband &nbsp;via text the general consensus was : go to triage and get checked before you go home just in case! I was still having occasional contractions but in my head I always expected a huge gush and contractions that I couldn't stand or talk through. I wasn't feeling any of that and at that point was scared I would get stuck at the hospital before I was in active labor. My hopes of staying home as long as I could were being threatened and the nerves were setting in.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>After my shift I went to triage and one of my favorite midwives checked me told me I was now 4cm, but there was mixed results over if my water broke. One test said yes, one test said no. I called Weston and told him to come in to the hospital because in the back of my mind, as much as I wanted to go home and wait it out, I knew if there was any chance my water was broken I didn't want to risk infection and let it go too long before I delivered. Looking back this was all an answered prayer that Weston could finish his day of work and take his time coming into the hospital with no stress!!</div><div><br></div><div>Another midwife saw me when Weston got there to do more testing and it was decided that I was slowly leaking fluid which still counted as my water being broken which meant: definite admission! I was staying to have a baby! (Ahhhhhhh) She said I was dilated 5cm which surprised me that I was still progressing despite not being too uncomfortable with contractions. I just told myself yes I have to stay, but by dilation Im halfway there!! (It's funny how after all the waiting and impatience the reality that "it" is actually happening is somewhat terrifying!)</div><div><br></div><div>I got settled in my room, my family arrived, I chose my nurse who also happened to be my coworker and friend. For the first few hours we laughed talked and watched the bachelorette finale (which also happened to be on TV the day we got engaged...coincidence or fate?) while I bounced on the exercise ball and waited for something to pick up. As fun as it was, nothing was happening and I knew time was ticking. The midwife came in the room at 10pm to recheck me and I was still at 5cm. I wasn't surprised but I knew what I was about to ask for would quickly change how comfortable I was, which was..well...scary. "I want you to break my water the rest of the way" Did I really just say that? I knew all too well what I was asking for, but it was my hope to stay on track for a natural labor.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I'll spare you the details of how lovely that felt other than that my contractions immediately changed. "Now THIS is what a contraction feels like" I thought. What happened next is somewhat of a blur but I got in my own zone, left my family and husband in the room and went into the bathroom with my worship music playlist to work through my contractions alone in the shower and on the toilet. I came back out to the room and sat on the birthing ball for a few contractions, breathing through and staying focused but they were getting worse and I couldn't find a "comfortable" position. (cause let's be honest nothing is anything close to the true meaning of comfortable at that point) &nbsp;It was jacuzzi time. In all of my experience as a nurse I knew the jacuzzi was the secret weapon to surviving a natural labor. I always encourage patients to save it until nothing else helps to get them through the dreaded transition phase of labor. I was praying that's where &nbsp;I was. The jacuzzi helped more than anything else had but the contractions continued to strengthen and as strong as I tried to stay mentally, I was getting close to my breaking point. In my mind I knew if I felt like giving up it probably meant I was close to being able to push, but what if I wasn't? Either way I felt helpless and pleaded with my nurse "I want to get checked and if I'm not close I think might an epidural" If this wasn't what everyone described as the out of body, crawl out of your skin pain that transition is, I didn't know what was. The slow controlled breathing through contractions morphed to moaning/humming or probably something that resembled a dying animal. All I know is I was no longer quiet through contractions and I know now that was the point my husband started praying and my mom had to leave the room. The midwife crouched down at the side of the tub, told me I was 8-9cm and gave me a pep talk. I could do this. I was doing it. I nodded wanting to believe her and realizing I wouldn't even be able to sit still through an epidural at this point. I just wanted to meet my baby.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Then the pressure came. It felt like right after the midwife left I was experiencing that pressure I had heard about so many times. Just as I managed to tell my nurse what I was feeling my body decided to join in and start pushing on its own. I knew what this meant. Baby was coming. I tried to breathe through contractions in fear that I wasn't fully dilated but my body continued to involuntarily push. "Well you just bought yourself a ticket out of the jacuzzi" someone said. I somehow made it to the bed and got the go ahead to work with my body and start pushing. It was 12:00am, just two hours after my water was broken. The pushing process was so much harder than I expected and I found myself eating my words of advice I gave so many patients. Easier said than done!! Weston was by my side encouraging me and helping me try different positions (let me tell you, you gain a whole new level of comfort with your spouse after you've squatted half naked bearing down like you're consitpated right beside them. It's glamorous folks.) There was a point her heartrate dropped and when I heard the monitor slow the nurse in me thought "oh no, I'm going to need an emergency c-section and because I don't have an epidural I'll need general anesthesia ao I won't even be awake and Weston won't be able to be in the room" (Yes my mind somehow went on that kind of a tangent in the middle of pushing out a baby without pain medicine) Luckily her heartrate came back up and behaved for the rest of the total 1.5 hours I was pushing. I used a mirror which I thought I wouldn't want, Weston watched the whole process which he thought he wouldn't do, and her 80th percentile head was taking its good old time coming out. Each set of pushes I heard "you're so close she's coming!"yet I pushed on. Finally, the infamous ring of fire told me it had to be soon, and just like that her body was on its way out. I reached down, grabbed under her arms and pulled her the rest of the way out and onto my chest. (Crazy, but true and THE BEST moment of my life) "I can't believe she's all mine" we're my first words afte her birth according to my nurse. I was part in shock part in pain and totally in love with this little screaming human that was on my chest. Annnd "Oceans", which is my favorite worship song ever, happened to be the song that was playing as she entered the world!&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>9 months of waiting, dreaming, anticipating &amp; worrying, were finally over. Thank you Jesus! To see and hold our baby for the first time was so surreal I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. Just kidding the horrible burning down below was more than enough of a reminder that this most definitely was not a dream. After all of the wondering and praying about how my labor would unfold, it had played out even better than I ever could have imagined. And what mattered most is that we were healthy.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Being the patient after being an L&amp;D nurse for 2.5 years definitely gave me a new appreciation for what I do and I know will make me better at my job when I return. But for now I am going to enjoy my 12 weeks off staring at my baby girl.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rzduke818qg/VdPz1LGZAEI/AAAAAAAAD-0/rCeHoSP8QXU/s640/blogger-image-1146257301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rzduke818qg/VdPz1LGZAEI/AAAAAAAAD-0/rCeHoSP8QXU/s640/blogger-image-1146257301.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--HfmtEDq5rI/VdP0Bly3oXI/AAAAAAAAD_8/8cEV6J_1DfI/s640/blogger-image-1333900879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--HfmtEDq5rI/VdP0Bly3oXI/AAAAAAAAD_8/8cEV6J_1DfI/s640/blogger-image-1333900879.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IAfoOPYwXK0/VdP0FyulNrI/AAAAAAAAEAU/CaRjv9Ur_-0/s640/blogger-image-526455416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IAfoOPYwXK0/VdP0FyulNrI/AAAAAAAAEAU/CaRjv9Ur_-0/s640/blogger-image-526455416.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lDrS5usKr0/VdPz7EEfE_I/AAAAAAAAD_U/jjLMBIOgVEk/s640/blogger-image-1517735233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lDrS5usKr0/VdPz7EEfE_I/AAAAAAAAD_U/jjLMBIOgVEk/s640/blogger-image-1517735233.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XphlD-Wdtd8/VdPz0JhLrRI/AAAAAAAAD-s/T4veZBqXebE/s640/blogger-image--639727032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XphlD-Wdtd8/VdPz0JhLrRI/AAAAAAAAD-s/T4veZBqXebE/s640/blogger-image--639727032.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k4P1Klx1jPI/VdPz563d3mI/AAAAAAAAD_M/Wkv-LN-mQxk/s640/blogger-image--751131417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k4P1Klx1jPI/VdPz563d3mI/AAAAAAAAD_M/Wkv-LN-mQxk/s640/blogger-image--751131417.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uObWLAFnp6k/VdP0EFKkGYI/AAAAAAAAEAM/DrYJLDj2Jwk/s640/blogger-image--1657623677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uObWLAFnp6k/VdP0EFKkGYI/AAAAAAAAEAM/DrYJLDj2Jwk/s640/blogger-image--1657623677.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OoX_elJFnTM/VdPz8ZvUq9I/AAAAAAAAD_c/Cein17r4Na8/s640/blogger-image--841880167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OoX_elJFnTM/VdPz8ZvUq9I/AAAAAAAAD_c/Cein17r4Na8/s640/blogger-image--841880167.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DFtuRvtCG9s/VdPz9kz-DAI/AAAAAAAAD_k/7q2lF6zuxKk/s640/blogger-image-1716299274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DFtuRvtCG9s/VdPz9kz-DAI/AAAAAAAAD_k/7q2lF6zuxKk/s640/blogger-image-1716299274.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBQXCjrEw-0/VdPz-y3b9GI/AAAAAAAAD_s/AR3mO1VMNAU/s640/blogger-image-1645767966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBQXCjrEw-0/VdPz-y3b9GI/AAAAAAAAD_s/AR3mO1VMNAU/s640/blogger-image-1645767966.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89b-6rTINCc/VdP0AN2M3_I/AAAAAAAAD_0/cBO-c3hjiYw/s640/blogger-image--128020165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89b-6rTINCc/VdP0AN2M3_I/AAAAAAAAD_0/cBO-c3hjiYw/s640/blogger-image--128020165.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tK5YgtwbfYw/VdPz2VGZK2I/AAAAAAAAD-8/UwzywLqyA9k/s640/blogger-image--1544762065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tK5YgtwbfYw/VdPz2VGZK2I/AAAAAAAAD-8/UwzywLqyA9k/s640/blogger-image--1544762065.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-19R434Ahi_k/VdP0C8wutwI/AAAAAAAAEAE/Tcs_Q9iEU08/s640/blogger-image-1472126548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-19R434Ahi_k/VdP0C8wutwI/AAAAAAAAEAE/Tcs_Q9iEU08/s640/blogger-image-1472126548.jpg"></a></div>Photos by Kelly Lapp Photography&nbsp;</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-67385239507607722472015-08-17T05:47:00.001-07:002015-08-17T15:47:10.636-07:00Homemade Cold Brew Coffee<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KYHtnuJNhH4/VdHX48rf_LI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/-nD-lcpmGD4/s640/blogger-image-358201747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KYHtnuJNhH4/VdHX48rf_LI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/-nD-lcpmGD4/s640/blogger-image-358201747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Guys: I actually made something I pinned on pinterest and it turned out so good I had to share.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maybe it's just in PA, but cold brew is all the rage right now, at Starbucks and local coffee shops alike. Who knew it was so easy to make at home?!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All you need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">1 12oz bag of coffee grounds (I used Starbucks but will probably experiment with others)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">10.5 cups room temperature water</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Cheese cloth</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">*Optional* Your choice of sweetener or cream</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Combine coffee grounds and water in plastic container with lid. Stir until all grounds are wet and let "brew" overnight in fridge.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Remove from fridge and pour over mesh colander covered in cheese cloth to separate grounds from concentrate. Throw away grounds.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Store concentrate in fridge and to make one cup full cup with ice, fill 1/3 with concentrate, add water until cup is almost full. Add any cream or sweetener and enjoy! The original recipie suggested sweetened condensed milk, I had it with half &amp; half and simple syrup, but my favorite combo so far is just plain on sweet cream coffee creamer!! Let me tell you...Yummo.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Really after you make the concentrate the rest is a "make it how you like it" experiment! Besides it being easy and delicious, it's also total money saver!&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Enjoy! (and if you make it yourself please share your favorite coffee and sweetener combos)&nbsp;</span></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-84035646540131660192015-08-16T18:49:00.001-07:002015-08-16T18:51:04.507-07:00Last days before baby...I consider myself a patient person. As a labor &amp; delivery nurse, I always got annoyed when people delivered unnecessarily before their due date. The "I'm sick of being pregnant, uncomfortable and tired of waiting for my baby" syndrome. I thought I'd never be that person. But sure enough, by 37 weeks I was googling "ways to naturally induce labor" and spending hours walking and bouncing on an exercise ball. I ended up delivering 1 week early, who knows if it was the things I did or not, but looking back I wouldn't have done anything differently. I spent those last days read parent books, went on date nights with my hubby and stayed busy to keep myself as distracted from the waiting game as possible.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qwz5byUDf8E/VdE9vb2Hl2I/AAAAAAAAD-E/PRE2EytqLkA/s640/blogger-image--368351298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qwz5byUDf8E/VdE9vb2Hl2I/AAAAAAAAD-E/PRE2EytqLkA/s640/blogger-image--368351298.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIAsbJqkGSE/VdE9tn7cUYI/AAAAAAAAD98/79M0fuXvgws/s640/blogger-image-1325675335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIAsbJqkGSE/VdE9tn7cUYI/AAAAAAAAD98/79M0fuXvgws/s640/blogger-image-1325675335.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Fxger-9nBI/VdE9sAKkM6I/AAAAAAAAD90/uVV38E1fARA/s640/blogger-image-610505922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Fxger-9nBI/VdE9sAKkM6I/AAAAAAAAD90/uVV38E1fARA/s640/blogger-image-610505922.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hzSB2SFiVMY/VdE9qixU4DI/AAAAAAAAD9s/29pbckSUGIo/s640/blogger-image--1119743083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hzSB2SFiVMY/VdE9qixU4DI/AAAAAAAAD9s/29pbckSUGIo/s640/blogger-image--1119743083.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-62634481980182114852015-08-15T23:59:00.001-07:002015-08-15T23:59:36.958-07:00Kent Island, MD VacationMid-July my family had a long weekend vacation to Kent Island MD. My Dad is a pro at finding vacation houses using VRBO and like always, he did not disappoint. We stayed at a gorgeous house on the bay and enjoyed lots of sun, seafood, and time together before our baby girl arrived! (Props to my sister for vacationing with a newborn and 18 month old!)&nbsp;<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hcPwVLNcBrA/VdA0xHilZtI/AAAAAAAAD88/kS1cFsiBKqc/s640/blogger-image-725907137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hcPwVLNcBrA/VdA0xHilZtI/AAAAAAAAD88/kS1cFsiBKqc/s640/blogger-image-725907137.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMYVcOGE93E/VdA0vrp8USI/AAAAAAAAD80/9bpR432Nlw4/s640/blogger-image--1743227177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMYVcOGE93E/VdA0vrp8USI/AAAAAAAAD80/9bpR432Nlw4/s640/blogger-image--1743227177.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLT2QFkijLk/VdA0uFi004I/AAAAAAAAD8s/GYUx6yGOLlE/s640/blogger-image-138675894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLT2QFkijLk/VdA0uFi004I/AAAAAAAAD8s/GYUx6yGOLlE/s640/blogger-image-138675894.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jgXm-z4eaU4/VdA0ykOrfnI/AAAAAAAAD9E/l9c8cLiVLc0/s640/blogger-image--746555351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jgXm-z4eaU4/VdA0ykOrfnI/AAAAAAAAD9E/l9c8cLiVLc0/s640/blogger-image--746555351.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PM7ntUswowM/VdA01zha3lI/AAAAAAAAD9U/uit_kj9Fcek/s640/blogger-image-1962462341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PM7ntUswowM/VdA01zha3lI/AAAAAAAAD9U/uit_kj9Fcek/s640/blogger-image-1962462341.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zVQSIoogMhA/VdA00GjtxjI/AAAAAAAAD9M/fn94bvGNZyE/s640/blogger-image--1460179575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zVQSIoogMhA/VdA00GjtxjI/AAAAAAAAD9M/fn94bvGNZyE/s640/blogger-image--1460179575.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-32537142862972270592015-08-15T23:51:00.001-07:002015-08-15T23:51:42.288-07:00Work baby shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The beautiful friends I work with threw me a little baby shower at 36 weeks. We gathered for a delicious brunch in the city in the adorable backyard of one of my coworkers. What a perfect morning it was with friends who would be the ones surrounding me as I delivered!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GsaZIt0yce0/VdAy9USurrI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/_lOJfWXBqf8/s640/blogger-image--487896951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GsaZIt0yce0/VdAy9USurrI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/_lOJfWXBqf8/s640/blogger-image--487896951.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ksr5JRSXj6U/VdAy_F-YCTI/AAAAAAAAD8g/bNpbXgcoMOo/s640/blogger-image--1007292409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ksr5JRSXj6U/VdAy_F-YCTI/AAAAAAAAD8g/bNpbXgcoMOo/s640/blogger-image--1007292409.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GE1mU5Ji2mY/VdAy57JvGHI/AAAAAAAAD8I/NkwO84SY25U/s640/blogger-image--1078827713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GE1mU5Ji2mY/VdAy57JvGHI/AAAAAAAAD8I/NkwO84SY25U/s640/blogger-image--1078827713.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0uLxjxF-g2E/VdAy7glapXI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/eNE_LJvMnsA/s640/blogger-image--558250688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0uLxjxF-g2E/VdAy7glapXI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/eNE_LJvMnsA/s640/blogger-image--558250688.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-20834926652546219712015-08-14T20:29:00.001-07:002015-08-14T20:29:32.132-07:004th of July WeekendWe spent the whole weekend at the cabin, almost exactly one month from my due date! The whole gang was there (including the brother in laws' significant others) We spent lots of time in the sun, enjoying nature, and eating lots of good food. Next time we go to the cabin we'll have a baby!&nbsp;<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iJr-RwvEEP8/Vc6yC21VNcI/AAAAAAAAD7c/nZDI7TVtfmY/s640/blogger-image--139950799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iJr-RwvEEP8/Vc6yC21VNcI/AAAAAAAAD7c/nZDI7TVtfmY/s640/blogger-image--139950799.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ndRU9tXXMXs/Vc6yFU3LMTI/AAAAAAAAD7s/jS4IcHfDr8M/s640/blogger-image-1061683023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ndRU9tXXMXs/Vc6yFU3LMTI/AAAAAAAAD7s/jS4IcHfDr8M/s640/blogger-image-1061683023.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lml7nEPlspQ/Vc6yBJ1SLiI/AAAAAAAAD7U/9VaFyzPVqjU/s640/blogger-image--1502910341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lml7nEPlspQ/Vc6yBJ1SLiI/AAAAAAAAD7U/9VaFyzPVqjU/s640/blogger-image--1502910341.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrutYTpMCLA/Vc6yGkpKjjI/AAAAAAAAD70/TW3DBUta7N8/s640/blogger-image-2102107710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrutYTpMCLA/Vc6yGkpKjjI/AAAAAAAAD70/TW3DBUta7N8/s640/blogger-image-2102107710.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N_nUbSHxkqU/Vc6yEOFDHZI/AAAAAAAAD7k/UM9avbMHh08/s640/blogger-image-1805822117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N_nUbSHxkqU/Vc6yEOFDHZI/AAAAAAAAD7k/UM9avbMHh08/s640/blogger-image-1805822117.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br><div><br></div></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-12781387893074949472015-08-14T20:20:00.001-07:002015-08-14T20:20:19.279-07:00Hello newest niece!It's time to play catch up. Babies have been born, trips have been taken, and I haven't documented! First of all, my newest niece Harper June was born on Friday June 26th! I worked all day and after getting a text at 9am from my sister that her water broke, I was sure I was going to miss her arrival. When 7pm rolled around I gave report and hurried to the hospital in the next town where my sister was. Soon after we got there she was feeling lots of pressure through her epidural, sure enough, it was time to push!! 10 minutes later, she arrived!! A perfectly chubby 9lb 4oz, I fell in love and lost any ounce of patience I had left to meet my little girl. It's hard to believe I was 5 weeks away from my due date at that point.&nbsp;<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qt1CuezGXLw/Vc6vUBJjnPI/AAAAAAAAD64/O2lNd07kUUU/s640/blogger-image--1116717163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qt1CuezGXLw/Vc6vUBJjnPI/AAAAAAAAD64/O2lNd07kUUU/s640/blogger-image--1116717163.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiGJkjewEvc/Vc6v7ZfUm_I/AAAAAAAAD7A/j0I7Rj_KeI4/s640/blogger-image--1531673650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiGJkjewEvc/Vc6v7ZfUm_I/AAAAAAAAD7A/j0I7Rj_KeI4/s640/blogger-image--1531673650.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q5r6sCl1ITw/Vc6v8vV0scI/AAAAAAAAD7I/n6HPbW9RCP4/s640/blogger-image--1773102963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q5r6sCl1ITw/Vc6v8vV0scI/AAAAAAAAD7I/n6HPbW9RCP4/s640/blogger-image--1773102963.jpg"></a></div><br></div>xoxo,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mrs. Auntie Alyssa</div><br></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-22901043890787855072015-06-25T13:29:00.000-07:002015-06-25T13:30:59.111-07:00Baby ShowerMy baby shower was at the end of May, but my wonderful cousin who also happens to be a professional photographer {Kelly Lapp Photography} captured some moments from the day I just had to share. It was so fun to spend a day anticipating and celebrating our baby girl. Getting all the baby gear and adorable little clothes just made me that much more excited for her to arrive! I'm so thankful for the support system of friends and family who are surrounding us during this exciting stage of life!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usJTnBDE8ac/VYxfvHii_dI/AAAAAAAAD4s/zgRJFY5voYk/s320/IMG_6394.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hH4MKMEkK-Q/VYxhsy9miFI/AAAAAAAAD48/qizXL6jQPOw/s1600/MartinBabyShower_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hH4MKMEkK-Q/VYxhsy9miFI/AAAAAAAAD48/qizXL6jQPOw/s320/MartinBabyShower_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-XJidooSGQ/VYxiE52xCbI/AAAAAAAAD5A/lTduP9zO9Ds/s1600/MartinBabyShower_04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-XJidooSGQ/VYxiE52xCbI/AAAAAAAAD5A/lTduP9zO9Ds/s320/MartinBabyShower_04.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUX74H1AvLI/VYxiaL1KQzI/AAAAAAAAD5M/Lrn2fllXsIk/s1600/MartinBabyShower_05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUX74H1AvLI/VYxiaL1KQzI/AAAAAAAAD5M/Lrn2fllXsIk/s320/MartinBabyShower_05.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrXv3-BzksM/VYxjHATVCLI/AAAAAAAAD5U/JbqhQ1zm43M/s1600/MartinBabyShower_08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrXv3-BzksM/VYxjHATVCLI/AAAAAAAAD5U/JbqhQ1zm43M/s320/MartinBabyShower_08.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">my favorite childhood book</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4id-E4f1te4/VYxjektK6_I/AAAAAAAAD5c/GZVuGyOGZNQ/s1600/MartinBabyShower_13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4id-E4f1te4/VYxjektK6_I/AAAAAAAAD5c/GZVuGyOGZNQ/s320/MartinBabyShower_13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Mother and her pregnant daughters</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8tSY_Giyow/VYxj3FS4BfI/AAAAAAAAD5k/2mj4VIyRREA/s1600/MartinBabyShower_19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8tSY_Giyow/VYxj3FS4BfI/AAAAAAAAD5k/2mj4VIyRREA/s320/MartinBabyShower_19.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">sisters 31 weeks and 36 weeks pregnant in this picture</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rWcV3OD1sw/VYxgzdv7Z6I/AAAAAAAAD40/mvQRB_JbdXI/s320/MartinBabyShower_31.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxo,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mrs. Showered in love</div><br />Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-63679301563677387162015-06-19T11:19:00.001-07:002015-06-19T11:33:33.726-07:00Nursery in ProgressIn the last week or two, we have gotten serious about working on the nursery. Which is a good thing considering I'm just about 34 weeks pregnant! I have had a vision of what I want the nursery to look like for most of my pregnancy, it's just finding all the pieces and doing all the work to make it come to life!!&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>After our baby shower at the end of May, we were motivated to start finding homes for all of our gifts. That lead to a day of hanging bookshelves and curtains ( thank you IKEA)&nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ouqEhYP3neI/VYRdExdVb3I/AAAAAAAAD1Q/Hzs3OddnMR4/s640/blogger-image--2136866349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ouqEhYP3neI/VYRdExdVb3I/AAAAAAAAD1Q/Hzs3OddnMR4/s640/blogger-image--2136866349.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then this week amazing Mom came over and helped me paint the birch tree wall for behind the crib. After searching high and low for the perfect wallpaper, I decided $300 was not worth it for an 8ft wall and I bought a stencil off of cuttingedgestencils.com for $60. It was daunting and tedious, but with my moms help and talent, the wall turned out perfect!&nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-27xkzeNEj54/VYRdCMqBTyI/AAAAAAAAD1A/vQZzRIdGneI/s640/blogger-image-1862327705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-27xkzeNEj54/VYRdCMqBTyI/AAAAAAAAD1A/vQZzRIdGneI/s640/blogger-image-1862327705.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o2XXPDYKbwQ/VYRdDjIoimI/AAAAAAAAD1I/NuX7PKrFacI/s640/blogger-image-2019801211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o2XXPDYKbwQ/VYRdDjIoimI/AAAAAAAAD1I/NuX7PKrFacI/s640/blogger-image-2019801211.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we're on the hunt for an affordable but cute glider and waiting for our crib to be delivered before the nursery is complete! We're getting ready for you baby girl!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">xoxo,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mrs. DIY&nbsp;</div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-86894713405132386882015-03-28T21:22:00.001-07:002015-03-28T21:37:09.737-07:00The Big 20 week ultrasound & Gender RevealLast Thursday we got to see our little one together for the first time. At 7 weeks honestly besides a flickering heartbeat {which was enough to blow me away}&nbsp;<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">there wasn't much to to see. The nerves were real leading up to our appointment, but the second we saw that perfect little profile on the screen, the ultrasound became a sacred time of getting to know our child just a tiny bit more. I awkwardly craned my neck to get the best possible view of the back and white images rolling across the screen. Glancing over at Weston every couple of minutes I could sense the awe in his eyes. We saw squirmy arms &amp; legs, intricately perfect fingers and toes, spine and skull. What a miracle that just months ago this same creation was just beginning to grow?!&nbsp;</span><br><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As the anatomy scan came to a close the ultrasound tech said "I'm guessing you want to know the gender?" We both eagerly replied "Yes!" and instead of announcing the news she said "Well I haven't seen anything this whole time". Great.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Over the next hour our magical experience turned tense and stressful as I was flipped side to side on the bed, sent to the bathroom, practically stood on my head to try to get this little one to cooperate. The baby was breech with thighs clenched and legs crossed making it difficult to get the view they needed. The ultrasound tech finally brought in a coworker to give it a try, and after another 10 minutes of tricks and position changes we all congregated in the small room with one picture on the screen. I had no idea what we were looking at.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"Do you know what that is?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"No.." By this time I was sweaty and frustrated and just wanted them to tell us.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"Did you say anything to them yet?" a lovely conversation started between the techs as if we weren't in the room. "No, I haven't said anything yet, should I tell them?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">*Hello? Yes! Please tell us!* I was thinking.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"It's the three lines, it's a girl!"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"Are you sure? Can we tell people? &nbsp;There's no way it can be a boy?" The whole process of getting to this point didn't necessarily make me feel confident about the gender reveal we had planned for our families the next night.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"We're sure! Well that's all. You're done." And that was that. We had outstayed our welcome and their office hours. Weston and I walked out of the building dazed after an hour and a half in a little dark room, confused about what had just happened, and just downright grumpy. I hate to admit it, but that's the "keeping it real"&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">truth. We were thrilled with the thought of a healthy baby girl, but our expectations of how we would come to that knowledge were nowhere near met. We left doubting how confident they were and second guessing if we could even have a gender reveal.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The rest of the evening went something like this. Trying to laugh it off which quickly became tears on the way home. Getting home to look at the ultrasound pictures only to find they had given us a blank CD. Lots more tears. Deciding the party was off. Talking to my sister on the phone which gave me a ray of clarity and a few less tears. Calling the hospital to request another CD. Getting confirmation that the doctors agreed with the gender based on the photos. Relief. Deciding the party was happening after all. Happiness. Pinterest binge of all things baby girl.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I blame the hormones.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Looking back now I feel selfish and silly for getting so emotional over unmet expectations, when the bottom line was we had a perfectly healthy baby girl that we got the chance to see.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lz2zp0aFCcY/VRd97pICgGI/AAAAAAAADzA/Q5Tl-kdZvbA/s640/blogger-image--183264678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lz2zp0aFCcY/VRd97pICgGI/AAAAAAAADzA/Q5Tl-kdZvbA/s640/blogger-image--183264678.jpg"></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The next night we had family over, my very talented friend made us the cutest cake that we used to reveal the gender. It was the perfect way to celebrate and dwell on the blessing that is about to enter our lives. But I guess that's the beauty of life. Ups and downs and a series of expectations that are either met or not, and learning over and over again that expectations are a dangerous thing that can put a damper on perfectly precious moments. I have a tendency of falling into that rut. Then there's my husband who is a go-with-the-flow trooper. Through it all, he is so supportive and encouraging. Sure enough I come to the realization over and over again that the way things happen are beautiful in their own way and better than any "should have beens".</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We are so thankful. We can't wait to meet you baby girl!&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ITsPYEouwtQ/VRd9-SlEI2I/AAAAAAAADzQ/azS0PIh3SBQ/s640/blogger-image-1456080353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ITsPYEouwtQ/VRd9-SlEI2I/AAAAAAAADzQ/azS0PIh3SBQ/s640/blogger-image-1456080353.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-arKUAcvK278/VRd98yAmsCI/AAAAAAAADzI/B5ys6qzWyBg/s640/blogger-image--980987128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-arKUAcvK278/VRd98yAmsCI/AAAAAAAADzI/B5ys6qzWyBg/s640/blogger-image--980987128.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6jUa5htSBxc/VRd930I5WgI/AAAAAAAADyw/83n0ANLzcNs/s640/blogger-image--1820015953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6jUa5htSBxc/VRd930I5WgI/AAAAAAAADyw/83n0ANLzcNs/s640/blogger-image--1820015953.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AnkhPmNxZ2E/VRd96ZUa7LI/AAAAAAAADy4/8HAdb_FayB4/s640/blogger-image-967990663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AnkhPmNxZ2E/VRd96ZUa7LI/AAAAAAAADy4/8HAdb_FayB4/s640/blogger-image-967990663.jpg"></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mrs. Thankful&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-87897399076720474972015-03-19T19:18:00.001-07:002015-03-19T19:18:28.236-07:00{20 weeks}<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IfkXguiWqLI/VQuDcrr6UAI/AAAAAAAADyQ/q3ef8nDwkJk/s640/blogger-image-1701624197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IfkXguiWqLI/VQuDcrr6UAI/AAAAAAAADyQ/q3ef8nDwkJk/s640/blogger-image-1701624197.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Halfway. How did we get here so fast? This was a big week of milestones and I'm feeling little kicks and flutters more often and obvious. Every day I feel like I have a new sense of what is happening in my body and every day I feel a stronger connection to the little human in there. It was a struggle for me at first, and I found myself feeling guilty for "forgetting" I was pregnant at times, but that is why pregnancy lasts 9 months my friends. These things take time. Speaking of things taking time we finally had our 20 week ultrasound today. Baby was healthy and active but very stubborn when it came to revealing its gender. After an hour and a half appointment we finally left with a verdict. Tomorrow is our gender reveal so my lips are sealed until then!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o8xFv4qwr_E/VQuDbUF9XqI/AAAAAAAADyI/K5S6A-AsuSk/s640/blogger-image--2005829000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o8xFv4qwr_E/VQuDbUF9XqI/AAAAAAAADyI/K5S6A-AsuSk/s640/blogger-image--2005829000.jpg"></a></div>Yes I celebrated accordingly. Ben and Jerrys half baked for my half baked babe.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">xoxo,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mrs. Mama in the making&nbsp;</div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-77552600055274152602015-02-28T13:07:00.001-08:002015-02-28T13:07:03.376-08:00DIY: Essential Oil {anti-stretch mark} Belly Butter<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4MjL4yStd00/VPIt61Xz6ZI/AAAAAAAADxU/j-SP5nFYWeU/s640/blogger-image-866814722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4MjL4yStd00/VPIt61Xz6ZI/AAAAAAAADxU/j-SP5nFYWeU/s640/blogger-image-866814722.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Ever since I took the leap of ordering a Young Living starter kit last June, I've been loving the journey of learning and using essential oils in my day to day life. Most recently, I've been researching how they can be used during pregnancy. I'm lucky to have knowledgable friends who have taught me the ropes of this new realm of healthy living. Today I made a little homemade belly butter to help prevent stretch marks during my pregnancy. I know genetics and gradual weight gain are the two main factors that determine if they show up or not, but there are most definitely benefits to keeping my skin healthy, nourished and hydrated! Even if it helps minimize or fade the ones genetics may give me I'll be happy!&nbsp;<div><br></div><div><i><b>Recipie</b></i>&nbsp;</div><div><b>1/2 cup organic coconut oil</b>&nbsp;</div><div><b>1 cup base lotion</b> {I used shea butter with vitamin E in it}</div><div><b>7 drops grapefruit essential oil&nbsp;</b></div><div><b>5 drops lavender essential oil</b></div><div><b>10 drops frankincense essential oil</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DAWlz6P6KJY/VPIt8M-aEEI/AAAAAAAADxc/Dv3IIGIKLUs/s640/blogger-image-792489836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DAWlz6P6KJY/VPIt8M-aEEI/AAAAAAAADxc/Dv3IIGIKLUs/s640/blogger-image-792489836.jpg"></a></div><br></b></div><div>I melted the coconut oil in a glass bowl added the essential oils **I just made up the ratio of drops based on what I wanted for the scent. All three of these essential oils are known for their skin healing and rejuvenating benefits** then whipped in the base lotion. As it cools the coconut oil will solidify. I reused an old candle jar to hold my finished product !</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xJB1etdpgEI/VPIt9j9b13I/AAAAAAAADxk/hnpzK1m3eTQ/s640/blogger-image--1565861831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xJB1etdpgEI/VPIt9j9b13I/AAAAAAAADxk/hnpzK1m3eTQ/s640/blogger-image--1565861831.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><i>Disclaimer</i>: always use glass when handling of storing essential (especially citrus ones) since they are so powerful they will break down plastic.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>xoxo,</div><div>Mrs. Beginner Oiler&nbsp;</div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5957109785738209764.post-1207511523146798032015-02-15T20:25:00.000-08:002015-02-15T20:25:27.228-08:00Valentine's Day & 16 week bumpdateAfter this weekend, I can't help but be filled with lots of love for life right now. This weekend was so "normal" and that's what I loved most about it. I know culturally, there is so much commercializations around Valentine's Day and pressure from all sides for extravagant expressions of love. Don't get me wrong, I love flowers and hearts and chocolate but the bottom line is: I just want to feel thought of and loved, as well as show that I think of and love Weston. He did a great job of that, like he does throughout the year.<br /><br />Earlier in the week I got a surprise delivery of roses and chocolate, and was told that reservations were made for us for dinner Saturday night. I worked Wednesday through Friday so I was thankful when Saturday rolled around. We spent the morning sleeping in, Weston made a delicious breakfast, we watched some CMT music videos (a favorite morning activity of ours &nbsp;when were home together on weekends) then tackled our to-do list. Yes, we spent a majority of Valentine's day dusting, cleaning, organizing, vacuuming, filing bills and getting a head start on taxes. Just working together and being productive made for the best day. Then Weston made Mac&amp;cheese with hot dogs slices in it for lunch (a recent &amp; frequent &nbsp;craving of mine) and we did some nursery and home improvement brainstorming and shopping. We got dressed up and went out for a nice dinner and were home by 7pm to watch the NBA all-star events. Not a glamorous Valentine's Day, yet definitely &nbsp;one of my favorites yet.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UYwMs27xpCs/VOFwPxTFJlI/AAAAAAAADvk/emnfcUmG-mA/s640/blogger-image-305448585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UYwMs27xpCs/VOFwPxTFJlI/AAAAAAAADvk/emnfcUmG-mA/s640/blogger-image-305448585.jpg" /></a></div>Baby also decided to pop a little just for the occasion! I still feel more bloated than bumpin most days, but I'm thankful for a healthy babe and healthy body. I have been feeling great and noticing increasing energy every week. I invested in and started wearing an amazing pair of maternity jeans from H&amp;M. Despite the crazy vivid dreams I &nbsp;still love my sleep and am debating the investment in a "pregnancy pillow" more and more every night since I'm a belly sleeper by nature and now confined to my sides. I will say that for that reason our memory foam mattress topper was probably one of the best investments I've ever made. I've still been craving anything salty, red meat, strawberries and oranges, and any kind of cooked veggie. I can't believe next month we'll have our big anatomy ultrasound &nbsp;find out if this little one is a boy or girl! We both have boy gut feelings and all of my friends and family have said the same.Time will tell!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nYSRlgzuJzo/VOFwN8PwQkI/AAAAAAAADvc/G8V87rQwlPE/s640/blogger-image-639039744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nYSRlgzuJzo/VOFwN8PwQkI/AAAAAAAADvc/G8V87rQwlPE/s640/blogger-image-639039744.jpg" /></a></div><br />xoxo,<br />Mrs. Feeling Loved<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div>Alyssa Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774225565571773713noreply@blogger.com0